Got the car from my parents estate. It's far from perfect but still a very nice car. When Mom and Dad got older they both had little mishaps with a small dent or scratch here and there and parts of the car have been repainted. Been garaged since new though and it shows.
2001 Cadillac Northstar and Valvoline Restore and Protect
- Thread starter Lance G
- Start date
Patman
Staff member
Post some pictures of it!
Patman
Staff member
^^^ She’s a beauty! 
- Joined
- Dec 20, 2024
- Messages
- 580
A beauty indeed.
Yes, they did have a very elaborate anti-overheating system, which allowed for up to 90 miles driven at 55mph. The reporter who tested it drained all the coolant while in Death Valley and drove off, did 100 miles, filled with coolant and called it a day.
The engine management system would alternatively cut cylinders off, filling them with air, effectively making it an air cooled 4 cylinder. And it worked.
Huge irony that it was later revealed the cylinder head bolts are subpar, and most if them died an untimely death from - sigh - overheating, when the heads shifted or whatever.
There was a recall on these, maybe it caught that one as well.
Yes, they did have a very elaborate anti-overheating system, which allowed for up to 90 miles driven at 55mph. The reporter who tested it drained all the coolant while in Death Valley and drove off, did 100 miles, filled with coolant and called it a day.
The engine management system would alternatively cut cylinders off, filling them with air, effectively making it an air cooled 4 cylinder. And it worked.
Huge irony that it was later revealed the cylinder head bolts are subpar, and most if them died an untimely death from - sigh - overheating, when the heads shifted or whatever.
There was a recall on these, maybe it caught that one as well.
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I have no idea, there are so many variations of RTV. I do know a lot of them turn to string snot when you remove parts sealed with them, RTV is one of my most disliked products and I only use it if absolutely necessary.
Most ethanol free gas is advertised at 87, but in reality it’s about 90 octane. They can’t guarantee that, so it’s advertised at 87. Ethanol gas, ethanol is loaded into the tanker first, then gasoline is loaded on top of that.
In my area, ethanol-free is 90 octane only.
That may be true, but a lot of times they do not advertise it as 90 octane because they cannot guarantee that it is that’s why a lot of time is listed under 87 octane ethanol free
Or loan it to me for a week as we travel with Agency for healthcare. Vehicles need a weekly drive of at least 30 highway miles at speed to burn off the junk. Cars that sit, run unfit.
7.5
But are somehow always overfilled, even by Caddy service.
This practice can also lead to excessive oil consumption. I always used to run mine just below the full mark, and it did much better in that regard.
Whoa! Nice car! You see that strut brace under the hood? THAT makes a world of difference in the handling on this car. It's pretty much worth a small fortune to anyone owning an Eldo, or STS of that year!
When I would hit the highway with mine, my wife, in the passengers seat would fall asleep IMMEDIATLY! Not so much with the DTS we owned later.
This is one great ride.
Two other things to make sure of;
1, Make sure the small hose from the throttle body to the coolant reservoir is open and flowing. Never blow it back into the engine with air if it is plugged,
2, Make sure to "exercise" the water pump belt tesioner. I think you'll need a 1/4" drive ratchet. If they get stuck from sitting, the water pump belt loses tension and can cause overheating issues. Also check that belt.
1, Make sure the small hose from the throttle body to the coolant reservoir is open and flowing. Never blow it back into the engine with air if it is plugged,
2, Make sure to "exercise" the water pump belt tesioner. I think you'll need a 1/4" drive ratchet. If they get stuck from sitting, the water pump belt loses tension and can cause overheating issues. Also check that belt.
